Anatol Krakowski

Kaposi’s Sarcoma after Steroid Therapy for Pemphigus foliaceus

Rapid evolution of Kaposi’s sarcoma terminating in death, appearing in a pemphigus patient treated by corticosteroids, is described and the literature is reviewed.

Atypical crusted scabies

Five cases of an atypical form of crusted (or Norwegian) scabies are described. Three cases occurred in patients who suffered from a malignant tumor, and two additional cases occurred in mentally retarded and physically debilitated patients. These cases should draw attention to the possibility of a scabietic infestation whenever a widespread, scaly, itchy dermatosis develops in a debilitated immunosuppressed patient.

Quinidine-induced Lichenoid and Eczematous Photodermatitis

We report 6 cases of photodistributed rashes due to oral administration of quinidine: 4 cases with a lichen-planus-like eruption and 2 with an eczematous dermatitis. The casual relationship between the drug and the eruption was established mainly by means of circumstantial evidence. It was further strengthened by an in vitro challenge test in 4 cases and by a rechallenge in 2 patients. The in vitro challenge test used was the macrophage migration inhibition test, which can be of diagnostic aid whenever a rechallenge of the patient is contraindicated. Quinidine-induced lichenoid eruption in a photodistribution seems to be more common than previously reported. Physicians should be aware of this type of drug eruption.

Variations in aquagenic pruritus and treatment alternatives

We report our experience in the treatment of two patients with aquagenic pruritus of the elderly and two patients with aquagenic pruritus. Our findings confirm previous reports by others indicating that aquagenic pruritus is not one homogenous entity but rather is composed of two similar but distinct entities, each of which responds to a different treatment. Patients with aquagenic pruritus were helped by adding sodium bicarbonate to the bath water while patients with aquagenic pruritus of the elderly responded to emollients. It is suggested that aquagenic pruritus and aquagenic pruritus of the elderly are two similar but distinct entities. Separating these two entities provides the key to successful treatment, because each of them responds to a different treatment without crossover. This report is only the second report indicating the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate baths in patients with aquagenic pruritus. It is clear that further examples are needed to confirm these findings.

Acquired Ichthyosis in Kaposi’s Sarcoma

A case of Kaposi’s sarcoma with associated ichthyosis is presented. Kaposi’s sarcoma should probably be added to the conditions in which acquired ichthyosis is bound to occur.

Psoriasis of the Lips: The Unusual Köbner Phenomenon Caused by Protruding Upper Teeth

Psoriasis of the lips was observed in a 54-year-old female who had suffered from psoriasis vulgaris for 18 years. The psoriasis of the lips was preceded by protrusion of the upper teeth. Topical corti

Serum Lipids in Patients with Psoriasis

In 13 patients with psoriasis a lower total cholesterol (TC) concentration was found compared to healthy controls of the same population. No differences in the concentration of serum triglyceride (TG) or phospholipids (PL) were detected between these two groups. In the same patients, serum triglyceride fatty acid analyses showed a reduced concentration of linoleic acid and a raised level of palmitoleic and myristic acids. No differences were detected in the major phospholipid fractions. The increase in plasma free fatty acids (FFA) following intravenous heparin was comparable in the psoriatic patient and in the controls. It is concluded that no basic abnormality of serum lipids exists and that the changes described were due to a selective loss via the scales or due to malabsorption.

Tinea capitis among children of Ethiopian immigrants

The incidence, clinical appearance and causative agent of tinea capitis among children of Ethiopian immigrants, was studied. Out of 124 children examined, 36 had scalp lesions and 32 cases were confirmed as scalp-ringworm on direct microscopy. Culture showed the dermatophyte to be Trichophyton violaceum. The clinical presentation, resembling seborrheic dermatitis, without clinically apparent hair invasion, was atypical.

The Water Cushion in Dermatological Diagnostic Ultrasound

A novel way of using diagnostic ultrasound in the examination of the skin is presented. A water-filled surgeon’s glove acts like a water-cushion, providing more detailed and precise information.

Jadassohn-Type Anetoderma in Association with Protrusion of the Teeth

A case of anetoderma is described in which progressive protrusion of the anterior teeth was a concomitant finding. A possible interrelationship between these two conditions is suggested, based upon the anatomy and physiology of the oxytalan fibers of the periodontal ligament.